We toss this flippant phrase around all the timebut it actually rubs a lot of people the wrong way.
(Seriously, it’s a thing!)
We pretty muchallsay itoften on a daily basis.
But as it turns out, this (seemingly) harmless expression irritates some people in the workplace.
The offender: “No problem.”
I learned about this blacklisted phrase from my very first boss.
Completely taken aback, I started to panic.
I’d never heard this opinion before.
Now I worried that I had been rubbing important people the wrong way without even knowing it.
What’s so bad about saying “no problem” anyway?
Her declaration seemed a little harsh at first, a little unforgiving.
And then I started managing a direct report myself.
On this co-worker’s first day, she hit me with a casual “no problem.”
I knew from my own experience that she meant nothing by it other than to be naturally cooperative.
This puts that person on the defensive, thinking:“Iknowit’s no problem.
I’m not asking you for afavor.
This isyour job!”
You may read this and think that anyone who negatively reacts to this phrase is beinghyper-sensitive.
You might be right.
But we all ought to give a shot to get along in this world, right?
A few favorites: “You’re welcome.”
“My pleasure.”
“Any time.”
“I’d be happy to.”
Seriously, it’s no problem.
